The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, King of Israel. Proverbs 1:1
When my children were in high school, I offered to take them to the annual school convention in Texas if they would qualify for the convention’s Golden Apple award. They were enrolled in a Christian school that used the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum, and A.C.E. offered the Golden Apple award to any student who would memorize – chapter by chapter – the entire book of Proverbs. Neither my daughter nor my son took me up on the offer despite my urging. Although disappointed, I could hardly blame them. This book is 31 good sized chapters, and every one of them a challenge to memorize. I just checked; A.C.E still offers the Golden Apple. I can’t offer to take you to the convention, but I can promise God’s rich blessings for just reading the book of Proverbs.
Many Christians look at this great book and accept its obvious challenge. The 31 chapters mean one for every day of each month, with an extra chapter on the last day of the five months with 30 days, and some extra reading at the end of February. Some of those who follow this schedule for an entire year opt to continue for another year, and even more. And it makes a huge difference in their lives. The wisdom saturates their minds and souls and brings them into line with the very thinking of God.
Our text identifies the book as the proverbs of Solomon. But an examination of its contents makes it obvious that others were involved. With all of the wisdom that God gave him, Solomon probably authored much, or even most, of this book. A man named Agur is credited with chapter 30, and someone named King Lemuel with chapter 31. There are sections that came from godly councils and other sections that were existing writings that Solomon incorporated into the whole. But in reality, the human authors are not nearly as important as the fact that this book – all 31 chapters and their 915 verses – are divinely inspired.
God has given to us this great book of His wisdom. Use it for the better life that He wants you to have. -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/mj2woLaR25A